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Memphis Grizzlies’ Carter Demonstrating Strong Work Ethic

By Christian Dudley

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Jevon Carter #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Jevon Carter #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies’ Jevon Carter is not allowing an injury to slow down his preseason preparation.

The phrase goes something along the lines of “hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard.” In today’s flashy NBA, grit and grind is lost behind the glitz and glamour.

Meet the Memphis Grizzlies. Not only do they fall within the “small market” classification, but they are all about rough and rugged play. Out-muscling their opponent(s) is what brought the franchise their best days.

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So why stop now? Grizzlies Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff, alongside General Manager Chris Wallace, has confirmed the team will continue to master the grit side of basketball, though with a younger roster, in the upcoming 2018-19 season. Like it or not, it is the foundation of this franchise. It will always be their identify.

In order to continue to carry an identify, you also need players that fit the mold. This is why guys by the names of Zach Randolph and Tony Allen became legends in a home away from home. Memphis.

When it comes to drafting players to fit the mold — the identity — the Memphis Grizzlies have quickly found which guys are meant to belong. Simply put, not many have been a perfect fit. This is a portion of why the Front Office has been scrutinized for “poor” Draft Night decisions. Entering his 12th professional season, this is one of many reasons why Mike Conley has thrived and remained with the Grizzlies.

In an NBA Draft where so much pressure lied upon the shoulders of the Memphis Grizzlies’ lead decision-makers, they absolutely selected guys that fit the mold and identity. When looking at the team’s second round pick, Jevon Carter, college basketball fans know what he is about. Defense. Grit. Intensity. Behind all of this is an exceptional workhorse.

It should be a no-brainer that Jevon Carter will become a Draft Night steal in which NBA fans talk about for years to come. Opposing NBA Front Offices are bound to be kicking themselves one year from today. It should not take long for Carter to make his mark on the floor.

With training camp on the horizon, Jevon Carter’s teammates will soon realize his incredible work ethic. Not only has this been a part of who Jevon has always been, but his coach at West Virginia — Bob Huggins — demands the most from players in a Mountaineers uniform. Over the course of four years, Huggins aided in developing this Grizzly-esque guard.

The only thing slowing Jevon Carter down at this point is a thumb injury. This ailment was sustained while — you guessed it — going hard and improving his game. Being the workhorse that he is, even surgery was not going to completely stop Jevon from preparing for his first NBA training camp.

Just two weeks after the initial injury and eight days post-surgery, the Grizz rookie is back at it on the hardwood. Training. Preparing. Getting better. As you can tell from the video clip (directly below), Jevon Carter takes it easy on his recovering hand, but this is only making his off-hand stronger. He owns a tight handle on the rock even while limited to one hand.

Overall, Jevon Carter is an absolute animal. Life throws up a wall and he charges through it. He is absolutely hungry for his first professional minutes and this video clip further proves that idea.

Summer league action displayed great play by the Memphis Grizzlies’ rookie duo. Training camp and preseason action should continue to show signs that the Front Office made the right choices on Draft Night, which will be one of the few times this has been said. Of course, it took the team to draft with their own identity in mind.

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This incoming rookie class is extremely talented. On paper, the 2018 NBA Draft was very deep. Though most of the attention is placed toward the front of the first round of picks, this West Virginia product has the work ethic to become one of the biggest names within the class. Much like Dillon Brooks in 2017-18, do not sleep on this second round selection of the Memphis Grizzlies. Jevon Carter is going to make the most of this opportunity.

Go Grizz! 

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